NEW UNIVERSAL KINDERGARTEN IN QLD A BIG WIN FOR CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND STATE ECONOMY: THRIVE BY FIVE
13 June 2023 – Minderoo Foundation’s Thrive by Five initiative has welcomed the announcement of universal kindergarten in today’s Queensland Budget.
The Queensland State Government will additionally invest $645 million for the expansion of universal kindergarten that rolls out from 1 January 2024, in a move it says will benefit a further 50,000 children and save families with young children about $4600 every year.
Thrive by Five Director Jay Weatherill said, “Thrive by Five congratulates Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and her government on the announcement of universal kindergarten which will give children a better start in life and help support women and families.
“This is recognition of the critical importance of a high-quality education in the years before a child starts school.
“Universal kindergarten in Queensland will support child development, help bring cost of living relief for household budgets and provides more options for parents returning to the workforce.
“We also know children who start primary school behind their peers struggle to catch up, so it’s vital we level the playing field with universal kindergarten and address the disadvantage that can otherwise continue all the way through to adult life.
“There is growing momentum across the nation for making at least three days of early learning available for every Australian child, from the early months through to when they’re ready for primary school.
“A key focus for Thrive by Five over the next year will be building on the great work of states like Queensland, NSW, Victoria and the SA Royal Commission for national agreement on a Federal-State Partnership that delivers universal three year old preschool nationwide, complementing the existing partnership agreement in place for four year old preschool.”
